The Greg Laurie Show

What happens when one of the most notorious mobsters in American history experiences a radical encounter with faith? In this gripping episode, Greg Laurie sits down with former Colombo crime family underboss Michael Franzese for an uncensored conversation about the Mafia, redemption, and the impossible power of second chances.
Raised in the shadow of organized crime, Michael Franzese lived at the epicenter of the mob world—rubbing shoulders with legendary bosses, amassing wealth and notoriety, and ultimately landing on Fortune magazine’s list of the “50 Most Powerful Mafia Bosses.” But after years of violence, betrayal, and prison, his life took a dramatic turn: a solitary Bible in the darkest moments of his incarceration led him on an unexpected journey toward Jesus Christ.
Explore:
The making—and unmaking—of a mobster, from growing up with Sonny Franzese to becoming a “made man” in a secret Halloween ceremony.
The high price of loyalty, the devastating costs of crime on family, and the shocking story of walking away from “the life”, despite deadly consequences.
A raw account of hitting rock bottom in solitary confinement, wrestling with God, and discovering hope in Scripture that changed everything.
The incredible redemption of unlikely figures, including Michael Franzese’s reconciliation with his own family, and how the power of prayer can reach anyone—even the hardest hearts
You’ll also hear candid reflections on masculinity, fatherhood, and what it really means to be a “man’s man” in a broken world, plus why Hollywood both glamorizes and misrepresents the Mafia lifestyle. Whether you’re fascinated by organized crime, inspired by true stories of faith, or searching for hope for someone you love, this conversation will challenge what you thought possible—and encourage you to never stop believing in transformation.
Subscribe for more unforgettable conversations that prove no one is beyond the reach of grace.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Mobster Who Became a Believer: Introduction
02:11 Michael’s Early Memories of Mob Life
07:00 Choosing the Mafia: Family, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
10:21 Behind the Scenes: Realism in Mob Movies
15:29 The Mafia Initiation: “Born Again” into Cosa Nostra
17:45 Surviving When All Others Didn’t: Why Michael Lived
20:15 Leaving the Life: Family Devastation and Hard Choices
24:47 Betrayed by My Father: Facing Death in the Mob
29:04 Solitary Confinement and a Bible: Breaking Point
35:59 Proverbs 16:7—Finding Peace with Enemies in Prison
41:21 Masculinity and Jesus: The Ultimate Man
44:50 The Crisis of Fatherhood & Masculinity Today
46:33 Camille’s Faith: The Strength Behind Michael
48:32 Advice to Young Men Drawn to Crime
53:09 Sonny Franzese’s Faith and Forgiveness
54:41 No One Is Beyond the Reach of God
56:20 Surprising Conversions: From Mobsters to Believers
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Do you remember the first time you truly prayed? In this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie opens up about the powerful, often overlooked practice of prayer—and why it can transform your relationship with God and your everyday life.
Drawing from his own journey as a new believer and his interactions with spiritual giants like Billy Graham, Pastor Greg Laurie shares candid stories, biblical insights, and down-to-earth wisdom to help you move beyond rote words and genuinely connect with your Heavenly Father. Centering the conversation around the Lord’s Prayer, Pastor Greg Laurie unpacks its role as both a prayer for all occasions and a practical template for your daily communication with God.
You’ll hear about:
How the Lord’s Prayer shapes your view of God—not as some distant force, but as a loving Father who runs to embrace His children, even in their brokenness.
The surprising reasons why many believers don’t pray as much as they want to—and how shifting your priorities can open the door to a more vibrant faith.
What to do when God seems silent, including a memorable framework: If the request is wrong, God says “no”; if the timing is wrong, He says “slow”; if you are wrong, He says “grow”; but if everything’s right, God says “go.”
Whether you’re battling doubt, longing for deeper purpose, or hungry to experience real spiritual change, this episode reminds us: prayer isn’t about getting our will in Heaven, but welcoming God’s will on earth—starting with our own hearts.
Ready to rediscover the wonder and life-changing power of prayer? Subscribe for more conversations like this, and let your journey with God grow richer, one honest prayer at a time.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 God Is Not an AI Search Engine
01:19 Pastor Greg’s First Answered Prayer Story
02:27 Emergency Lord’s Prayer—A Pilot’s Crisis
04:38 Praying the Lord’s Prayer at March for Life
05:41 Why Memorize the Lord’s Prayer?
07:47 Social Media vs. Time Spent in Prayer
09:45 Do We Really Believe Prayer Works?
12:49 Jesus Teaches the Lord’s Prayer: The Ultimate Model
13:37 God as Father—The Prodigal Son Parallel
19:46 "Father Knows Best"—What Sets God Apart
22:20 The “Hallowed Be Your Name” Lifestyle Test
23:53 Praying for Christ’s Return and Loved Ones’ Salvation
29:39 Never Stop Praying for Those Far from God
32:12 Wrestling With God’s Will—Jonah and Jesus' Struggles
34:42 Prayer Isn’t Getting My Will in Heaven
37:05 "Give Us This Day": Total Dependence on God
39:14 Whose Cookies Are You Eating? The Cookie Parable
41:48 "Forgive Us"—Power and Challenge of Forgiveness
44:49 The Destructive Power of Unforgiveness
46:21 Temptation Is So Tempting—How to Pray Against It
49:53 Ask, Seek, Knock: The Persistence Principle
53:21 Can Nonbelievers Pray? The Sinner’s Prayer Invitation
55:53 Closing Prayer and Invitation to New Believers
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Could a single act of forgiveness rewrite a life shattered by war, pain, and betrayal?
On this extraordinary episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with the legendary Louis Zamperini—Olympic runner, WWII hero, and the subject of the best-selling book and film Unbroken. From his childhood as a self-proclaimed “rotten kid” in Torrance, California, to facing sharks and starvation adrift in the Pacific for 47 harrowing days, and enduring years of brutal captivity in a Japanese POW camp, Louis Zamperini shares his story in his own captivating words.
But survival is only the beginning. In a conversation filled with wit, candor, and deep vulnerability, Louis Zamperini reveals how trauma after the war nearly destroyed him—until a pivotal moment at a Billy Graham crusade transformed anger and nightmares into a life of peace, faith, and radical forgiveness.
Key Moments You Won’t Forget:
The chilling truth about survival at sea—including a moment when Louis Zamperini turns the tables on circling sharks.
His face-to-face encounter with Adolf Hitler after an electrifying race at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The astonishing night forgiveness replaced hatred—ending years of torment and shaping the rest of his life.
This is more than a war story. It’s a powerful testimony to the resilience of the human spirit, the possibility of redemption, and the freedom found in forgiveness. Whether you’re familiar with Unbroken or discovering Louis Zamperini's legacy for the first time, you’ll be inspired by his journey from bitterness to forgiveness, and the profound faith that anchored it all.
Subscribe for more conversations that will challenge and uplift your faith journey.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 "God Help Me"—Facing Death in a Plane Crash
00:38 Louis Zamperini: The Unbroken Story Unveiled
05:16 Qualifying for the 1936 Olympics Against All Odds
11:19 Meeting Hitler After the Olympic Race
13:28 Stealing a Nazi Flag—A Risky Souvenir
15:13 Surviving the Green Hornet Plane Crash
19:01 Fighting for Life—Miraculous Escape from Underwater Wreckage
24:09 Mental Exercises for Survival on the Life Raft
25:25 Shark Attack—Turning Predator Into Dinner
32:09 POW Camp Recognition—Japanese Know Zamperini’s Olympic Fame
34:15 The Bird—Facing His Cruelest Captor
40:41 Nightmares & Post‑War Trauma: The Bird Haunts Home Life
42:40 Billy Graham Crusade—Life‑Changing Faith Decision
43:01 Forgiving the Bird—Conversion Ends Nightmares
44:01 Reading the Forgiveness Letter to Watanabe
48:07 Experiencing Instant Transformation Through Christ
49:16 How Anyone Can Accept Jesus—Zamperini’s Simple Explanation
50:36 All Things Work Together for Good—Faith Tested
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What really happened behind the scenes of Jesus Revolution? In this unforgettable episode of The Greg Laurie Podcast, Pastor Greg sits down with his wife, Cathe Laurie, to share the raw, unfiltered story of their journey from rebellious teens to partners in faith, love, and ministry.
Together, Greg and Cathe pull back the curtain on the “Hollywood” version of their romance, revealing what the movie got right (and what it didn’t). With warmth and humor, they recount their first real meeting—not at a high school fence, but in a humble California coffeehouse Bible study. As they reminisce about young love, awkward first proposals, and the challenges of starting a family with little experience, listeners get a front-row seat to the genuine, grace-filled adventure that has sustained them for over 50 years.
Cathe shares her powerful spiritual awakening amidst the drug culture of Southeast Asia—a moment that changed the direction of her life. The couple also digs deep into common relationship myths, why lasting marriages require more than cultural “trial runs,” and the sacred call to support one another through all of life’s seasons.
If you were moved by Jesus Revolution or are searching for real wisdom about love, commitment, and God’s plan for your future, this episode is for you.
Subscribe for more true stories, biblical perspective, and authentic conversations that will strengthen your faith and inspire your relationships!
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:
https://harvest.org/.
Find Pastor Greg on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/
https://x.com/greglaurie
https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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CHAPTERS:
01:39 Fact vs. Fiction: How Greg and Kathy Really Met
06:50 Overcoming Parental Objections to Marriage
09:51 Kathy’s Memorable Proposal Ultimatum
13:50 Wedding Day Mix-Up: "Greg and Laurie Are Man and Wife"
15:29 Secrets to 50 Years: Embracing Irreconcilable Differences
19:30 Can You Really Change Your Spouse?
20:16 Roles in Marriage: Leadership and Support Explained
24:41 Controversy: Living Together vs. Marriage Commitment
29:46 Kathy’s Global Upbringing and Early Drug Use
36:15 Encounter With God: From Skepticism to Surrender
41:50 Shock of Early Parenthood: "I Was the Least Prepared"
45:00 Breaking Generational Patterns Through Faith
48:05 The Crisis of Family Breakdown in America
50:03 Biblical Femininity: Womanhood by Design
52:46 The Dangers of Modern Gender Ideologies
56:17 Chastity, Modesty, and Modern Pressures on Girls
59:58 Stop Waiting: The Myths of Delaying Marriage & Family
62:01 Encouraging Men: Let Boys Be Boys, Let Girls Be Girls
70:00 Don't Give Up: Hope for Marriages and Singles
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Before America had a revolution, it had a revival—and at the center of it was a “rock star” preacher named George Whitefield. On this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Greg sits down with Joshua Enck and Jonathan Blair—creators and star of the new film “A Great Awakening”—to uncover the forgotten story of the First Great Awakening and its lasting impact on our nation.
Joshua Enck (director, Sight & Sound) and Jonathan Blair (who portrays Whitefield) bring history to life, sharing how Whitefield’s radical preaching and partnership with Benjamin Franklin helped ignite a revival that transformed colonial America. Through powerful anecdotes, biblical insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling, the conversation explores not just Whitefield’s supernatural voice and courage, but also the authentic warmth and compassion that drove him to reach every corner of society.
Listen for two unforgettable moments: Jonathan describes the challenge—and surrender—in embodying Whitefield’s larger-than-life spirit, revealing how “getting out of the way” allowed something greater to shine through 06:09. And don’t miss the compelling analysis of Whitefield’s relationship with Franklin—a unique friendship that shaped both men and the birth of America 22:50.
This episode invites listeners into the heart of revival: how ordinary, flawed people can spark extraordinary change. If you’re hungry for authentic stories of hope, faith, and renewal, tune in as Greg and guests reflect on what America needs now—another spiritual awakening.
Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that illuminate faith, history, and the power of storytelling!
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:
https://harvest.org/.
Find Pastor Greg on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/
https://x.com/greglaurie
https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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CHAPTERS:
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Gen Z’s Search for Authentic Faith
00:47 The Forgotten George: Spotlight on Whitfield
02:12 Thirty Years That Sparked a Revolution
03:27 Bringing Whitfield to Life On Screen
05:00 God Uses Unlikely, Flawed People
06:09 Whitfield’s Unstoppable Preaching Power
07:19 Becoming an Evangelist: Preaching for a Decision
10:27 Gospel Is Dunamis—The Power of Dynamite
11:37 Whitfield’s Compassion for All People
12:28 Franklin and Whitfield: Revolutionary Collaboration
16:01 Self-Governance Born from Revival
17:42 Franklin, the Reluctant Preacher’s Son
22:08 Why This Film Matters for America Today
23:12 Philly Rebuilt: Filming Market Street’s Awakening
25:40 Hollywood’s Alternate Universe and Film’s Influence
28:09 Every Christian Is a Candle—Personal Impact
30:06 Truth, Conviction, and Flawed Heroes
32:24 God Uses Crooked Sticks: Flaws in Scripture
36:13 America’s Revival Roots & Need for Awakening
37:20 Living Through Revival: The Jesus Movement
38:32 Can This Film Ignite Another Awakening?
39:29 Films That Changed Our Lives
44:05 The Power of Storytelling in Gospel Film
46:01 A Call to Unashamed, Bold Christian Art
47:52 God Ideas, Not Good Ideas
48:27 Closing Blessing: Fame of Revival Spreads the Flame
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